Large Scale Power Generation Using Fuel Cell

INTROUCTION

Technology is increasing our energy needs, but it is also showing in new ways to generate power more effetely with less impact on the environment. One of the most promising options for supplementing future power supplies is the fuel cells. They have the potential to create much more reliable power, with lower levels of undesirable emissions and noise and higher over all efficiency than more traditional power generation systems with existing and projected applications ranging from space craft to private automobiles, large stationary power generator systems to small electronic devices, fuel cells are poised to play an increasingly critical role in meeting the world's plowing demand for clean, reliable power.

What is a fuel cell

Fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device which converts chemicals hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity by slipping electrons from hydrogen. The hydrogen med is exceeded from natural gun, propane and other common fuel and oxygen is from air.

A fuel cell system consists of 3 major components1. A fuel cell stack2. A processor to extract pare hydrogen from the fuel source3. A storage and conditioners system to adapt the fuel cell's continuous power only out to fluctuating demand.4. A mechanism for recovering heat from electrochemical process.

The remainder of the system consists of pumps compressors and controls.Fuel cell stack: in fuel cell stack, purified hydrogen and oxygen from air pass through linked platter similar to those in battery .the electrochemical reaction generator electricity and heat.An energy storage and power conditioners system adapts the fuel cell's maximum power flour to fluctuating power loads. A battery storage system with dc-ac inventor stores power from low demand periods for use during peak demand .

Heat recovery system directs heat from the jacket of water surrounding the fuel cell in to a preheat tank for the domes tie hot water system.

PEM technology was developed after 1960. It was developed for U.S. Navy and Army. The first unit was fueled by hydrogen generated by mixing water and lithium hydride.

The next development in PEM Technology was for NASA's project Gemini in the early days of the U.S. piloted space program .batteries had provided power for earlier missions, but future missions would be longer repairing a different power source.

By mid -1970s PEM cells were developed for under water life support leading to the US nay oxygen generation plant.